5th Judicial District judges also join in recognizing retired judgeFor The Courier

The Arkansas Supreme Court issued a statement Thursday honoring the career of recently retired 5th Judicial District Circuit Judge John Patterson.

"Judge John S. Patterson of Clarksville served with distinction as a circuit judge for the Fifth Judicial District from Jan. 1, 1983, to Jan. 31, 2007. Prior to assuming his circuit court duties, Judge Patterson practiced law with his father, Edward Patterson, served as deputy prosecuting attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit, and distinguished himself as Clarksville municipal judge. While on the circuit court bench, Judge Patterson further served the Arkansas judiciary as a member of the Arkansas Supreme Court Committee on Model Jury Instructions - Criminal.

"Recognizing his accomplishments and applauding his efforts, the Supreme Court extends its most sincere best wishes to Judge John S. Patterson on the occasion of his retirement," the statement read.

"We, the circuit judges of the Fifth Judicial District join in with this public recognition and wish to express our sincere appreciation for the service rendered to the Fifth Judicial District by Judge Patterson during his tenure as Circuit Judge and wish him well," the judges wrote.